Yes, You can definitely eat overripe mangoes with 100% confidence! In fact, the soft texture and high sweetness of overripe mangoes make them ideal for cooking.
If your mangoes are too ripe to eat, don't throw them away. Use these mangoes to make a delicious new meal.
Table of content
- What Are Overripe Mangoes and Are They Safe to Eat?
- What Dishes Can Be Made with Mango?
- Mango Pancake Batter
- Spiced Mango Chutney
- Mango Smoothie Ice Pops
- Mango Bread
- Mango BBQ Sauce
- What Goes Well with Ripe Mango?
- What Are the Things Made from Ripe Mangoes?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Are Overripe Mangoes and Are They Safe to Eat?
Can you still eat overripe mango?
Overripe mangoes are those that are ripe beyond the normal eating period. Usually, small black spots or wrinkles can be seen on the skin of overripe mangoes.
As a part of this, the flesh of the mango is usually very soft. Rarely, a small amount of mold can be seen.
Others may also have a sour smell. If these two things are not present, then the mango is 100% safe. That is why these mangoes are suitable for your cooking.
Signs your mango is overripe but edible:
- Skin has brown spots or is wrinkled
- Flesh is soft but not slimy
- Smells fruity and sweet (not fermented or sour)
Avoid mangoes if:
- They smell sour, fermented, or alcoholic
- Have visible mold
- Feel slimy or have leaked liquid
What Dishes Can Be Made with Mango?
Overripe mangoes are very versatile. You can use overripe mangoes when you are making sweet and savory dishes. They are sweeter than regular ripe mangoes and are great for blending, mashing, or baking.
Here are the top 5 different dishes you can make at home using overripe mangoes:
1. Mango Pancake Batter (Perfect for Breakfast)
Overripe mango pancakes are perfect for adding a touch of mango sweetness. If you want a nice tropical-flavored pancake, add some fleshy mango to your pancake mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed overripe mango
- 1 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the mango flesh, egg, and milk.
- Pour the flour into a bowl, then add a little baking powder and salt for flavor, and mix well.
- Heat a pan and cook like regular pancakes.
- Top with fresh mango slices or yogurt.
2. Spiced Mango Chutney (Sweet and Savory Side)
Chutneys are a great way to preserve overripe mangoes and add more flavor to your food.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups overripe mango (peeled and mashed)
- 1/2 cup sugar or jaggery
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Take a saucepan and heat it well until the mustard seeds crackle.
- Add ginger, mango, sugar, and vinegar.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened.
- Cool and store in jars.
Goes well with: Rice, Indian breads, grilled meat, cheese boards.
3. Mango Smoothie Ice Pops (No Added Sugar)
Let's see how to transform overripe mangoes into creamy popsicles that are loved by both children and adults.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mango pulp
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or Greek yogurt
- Optional: 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into molds and freeze for 4–6 hours.
- Unmold and enjoy!
4. Mango Bread (Tropical Twist on Banana Bread)
We use mango instead of banana in this very soft and moist bread. This bread is perfect for a snack or breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups mashed mango
- 1.5 cups flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix wet ingredients in one bowl, dry in another.
- Mix well and then pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
5. Mango BBQ Sauce (Great for Grilling)
Adding overripe mango to your homemade barbecue sauce adds sweetness and depth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mango puree
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
- Cool and use as a marinade, glaze, or dip.
What Goes Well with Ripe Mango?
Ripe mangoes (especially overripe ones) pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients:
Sweet pairings:
- Coconut milk
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Bananas
- Cream
Savory pairings:
- Chili
- Lime
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Grilled meat
- Cheese (goat cheese or feta)
What Are the Things Made from Ripe Mangoes?
Here is a list of many common and varied dishes that you can make at home:
Dish Type | Examples | Best Mango Ripeness |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | Pancake, mango oatmeal, smoothies | Overripe |
Snacks/ Desserts | Ice pops, mango bread, mousse | Overripe |
Sides/ Condiments | Mango chutney, salsa, pickles | Ripe to Overripe |
Drinks | Lassi, mango juice, smoothies | Ripe to Overripe |
Sauces/Marinades | BBQ sauce, curry base | Overripe |
FAQs
Can you freeze overripe mangoes?
Yes! Peel, cube, and store in airtight bags. You can use it later for smoothies, baking, or sauces.
Can overripe mangoes ferment?
If you leave them for a longer period of time, they can be eaten. Pay special attention: If the mango smells of alcohol or sourness, it may be going sour, so it should be discarded.
Can you use overripe mangoes in baking?
Absolutely. Overripe mangoes, like bananas, provide moisture and natural sweetness.
Is mango chutney shelf-stable?
If canned properly, yes. Otherwise, you can store it in the refrigerator and eat it within 2-3 weeks.
Conclusion
Overripe mangoes are never a waste of food. Rather, they are a great opportunity. From a delicious spicy chutney to a tropical breakfast dish, you can make overripe mangoes.
The sweet and mild flavor of these dishes opens up a world of culinary creativity. The next time your mangoes are overripe, don't forget to try these 5 recipes. You'll experience for yourself how delicious overripe mangoes are.
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